2. VIII:10.

On Friday the 3d of November, I dined at Mr. Clay’s with the Corps Diplomatique. He
always invites my brother and myself on that occasion. The dinner was rather dull
as I sat next to Mr. Arroyo,2 and Daniel Brent.

I have nothing to say for the rest of the month. It passed as quietly as they generally
do when we have no Congress to annoy us. It passed with me in the prosecution of my
studies, and in the gratification of feeling the progress which I was making. Such
a life is the one eminently suited to me. But it seems to have met with the disapprobation
of the family and I must resign it pro tempore. I do not believe that I am doing right.3

3. JQA disapproved of his son’s aimless and indolent life. Some weeks before he had urged
CFA not “to linger through his days in torpid inaction or to depend upon anyone but
himself for his future support, and his condition in the world” (JQA to CFA, 15 Sept.
1826, Adams Papers).